This is where the setting and situation have a direct influence on how the reader perceives the character. A strong-willed, independent woman in a chauvinistic male society isn't the same thing as a strong-willed, independent woman in a radically feminist society, even if all personality traits are the same. Or, for another example, a happy, well-adjusted person from a loving family and peaceful childhood is different from a happy well-adjusted person from a broken home and abusive childhood as a refugee.

Charactization of this sort usually comes from the conflict of the story that is environmentally based - 1984 anyone?

Writing historically based fiction is a good foil for us to use this method - our RP screams for the environment to affect our characters reactions. Would a typical peasant who presents themselves in front of the Pharoah stand and gaze at his eye-to-eye? If so, what would happen? How would the culture via this action and think of the person?

Can anyone else think of literary examples? Or even RP examples?